Are you working all hours but not seeing the financial payoff? There’s a reason this happens so often to service providers. It’s because their time “evaporates” … … much like whisky evaporates from the barrel over time. Which explains why you can always seem to find yourself overworked … and with less than you thought … Read More
I’ve worked with many business professionals who really wanted to raise their fees. But they were concerned about losing clients, or having their pipeline dry up as a result. No question, there are lots of reasons to raise your process. And lots of ways to go about doing do without backlash from the clients you … Read More
In a single week, I ran into two nearly-identical situations with coaching clients. They both were trying SO hard bend over backwards to be responsive to their clients, that they ended up botching their work … and potentially losing the clients they tried to over-serve. That’s what happens when you try TOO hard to please … Read More
The pandemic has given us all an opportunity to ask the big questions of our business. Do we like our work?Do our clients value what we do for them?Are we being paid what we deserve? Often, the answer is “no.” So if you’re looking for a better class of client – not just any client … Read More
My aunt, June Anderson, was a brilliant award-winning textile designer in the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s. I’ll never forget the summer I turned 20 … and she taught me a life lesson that has stayed with me to this day. It applies to your relationship with your clients, too. For her time-honored wisdom, watch this … Read More
On the plus side, they can be a way to get business, and come across as a caring professional. On the down side, you open yourself up to tire kickers, DIYers, and those looking for 3rd, 4th, and 5th opinions…until they finally find someone who agrees with them. There’s no one way do go about … Read More
How to you handle long-term clients who try to wangle freebies from you? Like, Can we talk off the meter? Or, Can you just do this quick thing for me? It’s a challenge, isn’t it? Especially for business professionals … where running a small business is all about relationships. But if you don’t set healthy … Read More
Ever had client prospects want you to work for free? Maybe they DM you through Facebook or LinkedIn with I have a question… Or, they let you know … it’s a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor… Or, my personal favorite (NOT): Can I pick your brain? For the professional service providers … Read More
We’ve all had situations where we quote a fee to a prospect or client, and the clients says, “I didn’t realize it would be that expensive.” Or, “This is beyond our budget.” How do you respond? In my experience, many business professionals jump right in to lower their fees…which might not be the best approach. … Read More
If you’ve been in business for any length of time, you know that angry clients are a huge headache. Not just disappointed – but ANGRY – and having no qualms about unleashing the full force of it on you. (Ugh. I’m getting anxious just thinking about it.) While you may do your best to avoid … Read More
Did you know …? … One of the best places to find a better way to run your business is by looking at how you work with your clients. Why? Because in my experience, many professional service providers – while brilliant at what they do — overgive to their clients. And that hurts you AND … Read More
2020 has made lots of my consulting clients feel like Rocky Balboa in the 15th round with Apollo Creed. Beaten and battered by the 1-2 punch of COVID and its wake of social, political, and economic disruption… … to the point where they’re no longer panicked. Just numb and exhausted. BUT STILL STANDING. They still … Read More
